COLUMBUS, 



AN HISTORIGAL 



-AND- 



RomantiC) Drama 



IN THREE ACTS, 



J. M FORREST. 



CHAKLESTON, S. C. : 

Edward Perry & Co., Printers and Stationers, 

217 Meeting Street, Opposite Charleston Hotel. 

1893. 



COPYRIGHTED, 1893, BY 
J. M. FORREST. 

(All Rights Reserved.) 



COLUMBUS, 



AN HISTORIGAL 



RoMANTid Drama, 



IN THREE ACTS. 



3V 






J. M. FORREST. 









,^ A l// 



CHARLESTON, S. C. : 3o7/ U J 



Edward Perry & Co., Printers and Stationers, 
217 Meeting Street, Opposite Charleston Hotel, 

1893. 



K- 




COLUMBUS, 

AN HISTORICAL AND ROMANTIC DRAMA, 

IN THREE ACTS, 



DRAMATIS PERSONS: 

Ferdinand, Kino; of Arragon. 

Isabella, Queen of Castile. 

Prince Juan, Heir Apparent to both Crowns. 

Christopher Columbus, Discoverer. 

Diego, 



Sons of Columbus. 



Fernando, J 

Beatrix Enriques, Mother of Fernando. 

Diego, 



)MEW, j 



mothers of Columbus 
Bartholomew 

Friar Juan Perez, Prior of the Convent of La 

Rabida. 

Bishop Fonseca, Administrator of the Indies. 

Luis de St. Angel, Receiver of the Ecclesiastical 
Revenues in Arragon. 

Don Francisco de Bobadilla, Commissioner to San 
Domingo. 

Don Nicholas de Ovando, Successor to Bobadilla. 

Don Alonzo de Ojeda, Daring Adventurer. 

Martin Pinzon, Navigator, Captain of the Pinta. 

Don Ignacio, Traitor to Columbus. 

Espinosa, a Vile Wretch. 

Francisco Roldan, Conspirator. 

Diego de Deza, Archbishop of Seville. 

Professor, Couriers, Soldiers, Sailors, Prelates, No- 
bles, Indians, Showmen. 

Tutor, &c. 



TMP92-008888 



COLUMBUS. 

ACT I. 

Scene 1. ({rounds in front of the Convent of La Rabida. 

Dim light in the icindows. Time. A night in 

February {about 8 P. M.). 

[Columbus in troubled meditation paces to and fro. 
His young son is lying on the ground behind him asleep, 
his head resting on an empty baskest.'] 



Columbus, 

Now the spangled frontage of the heavens 
Eoofs in the open temple of the night, 
And silence tolls its psalm—it tolls proud hope 
Of grand adventure to eternal rest. 

Later than the turn of the moon that's past, 
I asked the King to grant a caravel 
Or two, to try the venturous voyage. 
He paused, then mumbled that the rapid needs 
Of war conferred upon coin a double count. 
Pray delay, he said, until that plenty-day 
When the proud Alhambra's topmost tower 
Strikes the unholy crescent to our flag, 
Then your attendance I shall welcome once 
Again. Crushed a seventh time in seven years, 
I stood, run out of words. But as darkening clouds 
That break not silence whilst they gather, 
My silent soul gathered all its forces, 
Then it rumbled 'gainst the sunshine of the King; 
And in resenting thunders I humbled 
For once, at least, the slippery majesty 
Of Ferdinand. Seven wasted years 
Outside the battlements of royalty 
Have I lurked, and mixed with scullions, to learn 
The ways and tempers of puffed officials, 
Whose pompous intercessions were feathers 
In a flaw, and deceptive obligations. 



Columbus. 

From place to place, I followed the court, 
And being much abroad, the vulgar called me 
Show-struck, and the very children as I passed 
Tapped their foreheads at the madman, 

Ferdinand of Arragon ! Sage, Prince! 
True soldier of the faith, my faith in thee 
Hath wrought a ruin. When first I unveiled 
The prospective dawn of empire beyond 
The seas, your quick perception rose to ripe 
Intent. Intent soon withered. In its dust 

1 have dragged a slimy snail track. 

The golden Indies and their pearl-fringed coasts, 
Spiced and scented lands, Solomon's mines 
And all the glories of Marco Polo's words 
I have offered to the reach of Spain. But Spain 
Within Spain shall long remain. If she seeks 
Columbus, she shall seek in vain. 
Ho ! Diego. Tired and sound asleep, 
Filling your basket with nutritious dreams ? 
Diego, Ho ! Diego, asleep ? 

Diego. 

Yes, good father, out of bed I never slept before. 

Columbus. 

Without a bed a sleep is better than 
A bed without a sleep, as some hidalgos 
Know. 

Diego. 

Without a bunk I dreamt a sailor's dream. 

Columbus. 

A dream ? How did it run ? 

Diego. 

I dreamt you were in the Bay of Biscay tossed 
And all the biscuits overboard were washed, 
But you remembered that the waves forgot 
A case of biscuits, hiding, piping hot. 

Columbus. 

That's a lucky dream. The case of biscuits 
Foreshadows plenty. But our case now is 
Without the biscuits. With no venders here 
For traffic, suppose we present our case 
At the holy portal of this convent. 



Diego. 

Our word the Fathers will nut doubt. 

COLUM BUS. 

Nor our looks. Words are sometimes counterfeits. 
But looks lire glimpses of the soul. Come Diego, 
We must introduce ourselves. 

( Rings t lie convent bell.) 
(Enter Friar Juan Perez.) 

Friar. 

Good strangers, pence and blessings to you both. 
What service is in the convent's gift that 
I can bestow ? 

Columbus. 

-Reverence ! your words much needed cheer impart. 

J ust now it would exceed a feast to give 

A drink of water and a little bread 

To my tired and foot-sore son. For myself 

Want of appetite is not wanting. 

Friar. 

We will contrive a better feast than that, 

But pray what urgency occasioned his fatigue ? 

Columbus. 

Learning from report, some miles from Palos dwelt 

Substantial kindred of my lamented wife ; 

We journeyed out on foot some days ago 

To test their nature for our name. My aim 

In this distasteful quest is to obtain 

Aid. to gain a pass to France from Spain, 

Never to return again. 

Friar. 

Your story draws a tide of thought. Has France 

In your vocation run entirely short ; 

Or has Spain a surplusage of worthy sons 

To cause your hasty unrest ? 

Columbus. 

In Spain, through adverse winds of patronage, 
I'm denied not the rights of my vocation, 
But the rights of Spain therein. Expansion 
Being now the policy of Arragon, 
A timely scheme I shaped to far exceed 
The utmost span of Ferdinand's desires. 



Columbus. 

To him it offered an abounding profit; 
For me abounding hazard it would yield. 
But pauper counsel goes before the broom, 
And oft the sweepings fertilize the fame 
Of unentitled cheats. 

Friar. 

Attentive ear 
I have bestowed and your cause I know not yet. 
In honored confidence we speak, and hence 
I would have your delicacy yield all 
Clouded-up reserve. First, I would exact 
The honor of your name; then all bearing 
On your calling. 

Columbus. 

As to my vocation, 
'Tis at best but an offspring of the wind. 
When with the wind, its rhumb line blithesome 

runs, 
But like the changing looks of royalty 
The wind, too, needs be humored, till with tact 
And tacking the compass point is reached. 
I'm a lover of the waves, the wind-kissed waves ; 
A seafarer, I am, wind and wave-worn ; 
An humble sailor, wishing for a name 
To replace the unlucky one I have. 

Friar. 

What name is that? 

Columbus. 

Columbus. 

Friar. 

Columbus! Memory reverberates 

Most joyously at the ring of that name. 

There lived in Lisbon, many years ago, 

A stranger at whom science shook its head, 

A most profound cosmographer he was, 

And so deeply schooled in navigation, 

He offered to carry the astrolabe 

Over oceans yet unknown. His theories 

Whirled storms through academical halls, 

And the ruffled sages battled with their wits. 



Friar. 

Whether still lives this able theorist, 

Or not, I have no warrant or account. 

His name was Christopher Columbus. 

Possibly, you have heard of him ? 
Columbus. 

Yes, I have. 
Friar. 

He was married in Lisbon, I think. 
Columbus. 

He was ; so was I. 
Friar. 

He was a Genoese. 
Columbus. 

And so am I. 
Friar. 

Now, I remember that once he appeared 

Before the council of Salamanca. 
Columbus. 

So did I ; that is, so did he. 
Friar. 

(Aside) So did I; so did he. A surprise is at 
hand. 

Pray give me your Christian name? 
Columbus. 

Christopher. 
Friar. 

Then all points and particulars applied, 

You must be a very counterfeit of, 

If not, the celebrated navigator yourself. 
Columbus. 

I am Christopher Columbus; 

Known as a visionary and a fool, 

In two countries, at least. 
Friar. 

I am silenced. That is enough. What's ours, is 
yours. 

The convent's hospitality accept, 

And to-morrow some important men 

Shall be assembled to entertain you. 

Is this your only child ? 



8 

Columbus. 

The only one my lamented wife has left me. 

Friar. 

He will shine yet in the glitter of his proud name. 

Columbus. 

Your assuring words make our hopes shine. 

Friar. 

The fingerpost of fate will shine to-morrow. 
Now to 'scape the unwholesome dews of night 
And being braced with consolation, to rest 
We'll all retire. Follow me. 

Columbus. 

(Aside) We are guests, not mendicants. 

[Exeunt.] 

(Enter Beatrix Bnriquez with he?' young son Fernando.) 

Beatrix. 

Along the dismal road we toiled unseen, 

Watching the wanderer. To this refuge 

We have traced his footsteps. His perturbations 

May find some calm in the restfulness of 

This retreat. My poor presence here would but add 

Fury to his sorrows ; hence, I'll hide me 

With my poor child in some brambled hollow 

Of these grounds, and through the dewy leaves 

Watch the morning's dawn. 1 am forgotten 

By brave Columbus, but I am not dead. 

His ponderous projects have entombed his love ; 

His golden Indies are coffined in his hopes, 

And his life is but a leaden monument, 

Crushing upon his mighty soul. His wrongs 

Are mine, though mine in his concern are nought. 

But anguish to-night is not incurable, 

For the heavens are express in starry 

(She looks up at the heavens.) 
Combinations. True interpretation 
Decrees a turn of fortune. Plainly read, 
The forecast says, the angular distance 
Twixt the moon and Cor Leonis shall be 

(Keeps looking at the sky, while she reads the stars.) 
Less painfully acute, and in good time 
Shall be right-angled. Then, here is the moon, 
There is Cor Leonis. Heaventy portents ! 



9 
Beatrix. 

(Points to herself, then to the convent, then looks up at 
the sky.) 
A new star, that is a now world. A world 
By infallible sign shall be discovered ! 
Then trumpets shall sound, Columbus shall 

triumph, 
His glory shall thunder the land and sea. 
The rocks shall be chiseled and lifted 
To give him the Earth's veneration. 
My exultations shall filing my last sigh 
Into the multitudinous roar 
Of the joyous Earth. But girlhood is past 
And unrelished womanhood has settled on me. 
The romp, and all the tiny freaks that make 
The mountains of a girl's joys are past. 
Undrowsed, 1 drank of the deep expoundings 
Of Columbus, and struggled with tangents, 
Angles and degrees, till my little brain 
Lost all its spring and bound. But my tutor 
Fondled to my earnestness, and I was earnest 
In love for him. But night grows apace, 
And the moon must now to her quarters hie. 
Come, Fernando, let us now discover 
Where discovery least invites. I see it. 
Yonder thicket is the place. We'll away. 

[Exeunt, ,] 
(Beatrix has faith in astrology ; she reads the stars.) 



Scene 2. A Public Road. 
(Enter Two Couriers.) 



1st Courier. 

Didn't the King look war and wonder at us 

As he shot his words into our errand ? 
2nd C. 

He looked to me all reddened to the scalp. 

The tears of toil rolled down from every pore, 

As if he had been ditching:. 



10 

1st C. 

Ditching moors. 
The moors he'll ditch till the ghost of Islam 
Has jumped the straits. 

2nd C. 

Gibralter and the straits 
We shall jump if we fail to find Columbus. 

1st C. 

Find, but catch him not, unless in the act 

Of leaving Spain, arc the King's strict commands. 

2nd C. 

Suppose that now outside the bounds of Spain 
He dwells; would that mean banishment or death 
For us ? 

1st 0. 

Worse, I fear. Dungeons dark, irons, 
Musty rations, vanishing anatomy, 
And our sepulchral bones rattling lor death 
Would be our lot. 

2nd C. 

Then 'tis time to climb the highest tree, or drop 
Down the tallest chimnc}^. 

IstC. 

Be collected, your fortitude renew, 

Here conies a stranger, we'll sound him for a clue. 

{Enter old Professor, hurrying past to meet his class.) 

Worthy gentleman, with salutations 
Most respectful, we humbly approach you 
To win from your wisdom some advice. 

Professor. 

The wrong man you have not met. 

Eight questions, wrong answers ne'er beget, 

Nor evasions breed. Hasten and proceed. 

1st C. 

Most distinguished sir. from your sage remarks, 
We judge that Doctor Spitlingo you must be. 
Or, perhaps 3-011 are not. 



11 

Professor. 

I am expositor of multifarious arts 

Ami concatenated incognoscibilities. 

Five and twenty sciences 1 expound, 

And give gloss and finish to a multitude 

Of costly accomplishments, such as law, 

Medicine, and the flute. A class of students 

Now await my clear elucidations 

Of those complex transcendantal questions 

Which would liquify the shell in which your brains 

Now rattle. 

2nd C. 

(Aside). The class is waiting. 

1st 0. 

(Aside, silence!) My friend in prayer, is given to 

ejaculating. 
Most learned Doctor, in a limited sense, 
We comprehend the vastness of your mind. 
Your apprehension we shall not blind 
With winding fables. Our business then : 
Commissioned, we have been by our master, 
Who is the most exalted in the land, 
To search these kingdoms for a wandering, 
But gifted man, whose name is Columbus. 

Professor. 

It cannot be Christopher Columbus ? 

1st C. 

The same. 

Professor. 

I can offer the best authority 
For stating, that he is at the convent 
Down the road. Perhaps, in holy orders, 
He intends to end his days. 

2nd C. 

That ends our orders and must)' rations. 

1st C. 

Tush man! tighten up your wits. 

Excuse the pious ejaculations of my friend : 

He bubbles thus all da}'. 



12 

Professor. 

I am in haste. The class is waiting. 

But I'll sum up Columbus before I go. 

Impossible theories have crazed him. 

Why should he suppose that the Earth is round ? 

Why may not the Earth exhibit the divers 

Bulges of the human skull, plus the plump 

Carbuncles of the physiognomy. 

We live upon the physiognomy. 

The eyes are volcanoes; the hypotheneuse 

Of the nose is an alpine ridge ; the whiskers 

Primeval forests; and the mouth agape 

Is the Mediterranean sea. And out 'pon 

The Earth's skull no living thing can live. 

2no C. 

The class is waiting. 

1st C. {Aside— shameful). 

Most learned Doctor, 
We arc profoundly struck. 

Professor. 

I can strike you dumb. 
Suppose the Earth's huge skull on my shoulders. 
Observe how the occiput is braced 
By a conchoidal-cissoid curving under 
The great trapezium which crushes up 
The polar axis of the cranium. Then sweeping 
Down the great hyperborean region, 
A bold hyperbolical curve lashes 
The occidental knob, from the summit 
Of which, an accurate horizontal 
Parallax might be taken. Dipping thence 
Into a double hypotrochoid which links 
A flying quad rat rix with the drooping 
Catenary of the bristled chin completes 
Three-fifths of guod erat demonstrandum. 

(Takes off his hat and applies his hand to his head while 
describing). 

What does Columbus know about that? 

Could he approximate a surd? 
1st C. 

It is absurd. 



13 

2nd C. 

It really is, 'pon my word. 
Diabolical. 

1st C. 

My friend at prayer again, 
Ejaculating. 

Professor. 

The class is waiting. 
But on the black-board with chalk, I could sweep 
You and Columbus 'round the Earth, and sketch 

you 
As hanging antipodes, with your skulls 
Glancing up at your vamps, like unto 
Falling angels with all the blood and marrow 
In your heads, cut loose upon your descending 
Expedition to parts unknown. Just as 
Columbus wants to do. 

1st C. (Aside). 

Close his volcanoes with a sweep of your hand ! 
Make an antipode of him! Land him 
On his skull ! 

Professor. 

The wind hath changed a quarter point, 

Bringing with it a moistened cloud which plays 

Painfully upon an osseous formation 

On my littlest toe. Therefore, punctual 

Time, to keep with my expectant class, 

I will depart with quick but limping step. 

I will gratify your appreciative ears 

Soon again with profounder views. Adieu. 

\_Exit.~] 

1st C. 

Health and happiness! Adieu. 

2nd C. 

His due would be to bruise his osseous formation. 
That old spluttermug is crazy. The buffer 
Knows nothing of where Columbus is. Let us 
Go in search at once. 

1st C. 

You think so? You may be right. 
Let us learn for ourselves. 



14 

2nd C. 

We should have dune so sooner, instead 
Of gaping at that scuttled skull maniac. Then 
away ! 

[Exeunt.'] 



Scene. — Front of Alhambra Palace During the Surrender 
of Granada. (Shots heard inside. Drums, bugles). 
Dead and dying on the ground. (Bustle, Ambulances, 
&c). Enter the King, surrounded by officers. A 
Courier in attendance. 

King (to Courier). 

Place a saddle upon the wind, or find 
A swifter horse than that which bore my last 
Dispatch. Carry this important message 
To the Queen, and acquaint her majesty 
In your own words of all that you have seen 
Of The storming and surrender. Tell her 
We witnessed the lowering of the crescent, 
Heard the last shot fired, have the Alhambra 
And all the forts in hand, and Boabdil 
In safety ; and that in the panic 
The city's needs have been generously met. 
Speed your way and ere the blink of twilight 
Find me at the Alhambra with return news. 

[Exit Courier]. 
( To officers and soldiers). 

Comrades in arms! Once again a Spaniard, 
A Spaniard is, for Spain belongs to Spain. 
This day the historian lays down his pen. 
The story of eight hundred years is ended. 
During eight centuries the swarming vampires 
Have sucked the veins and arteries of Spain, 
And have left our skeleton in the school-books, 
Nothing better than a tradition. Now 
The multitudinous resurrection 
Of our race, shall as much surprise the Earth 
As it has confounded our enemy. 



15 

King. 

No more symbols, signs, or shows of Islam 

Shall defile our hind. Yet from our captives, 

Mercy measured with a leaning balance, 

Shall not be withheld. War resounds no more. 

Its smoke, turned to golden clouds, canopies 

A jubilee of peace. Nothing remains 

For us who hold direction of affairs 

Hut to administer with collective wisdom 

Our long lost, well won province. Let the troops 

Relieved from action defile before us. 

That we may exchange greetings and observe 

Their exulting pride [aside]. Our plenty-day lias 

come. 
Now for Columbus ! 

(Review, music, cheers, &c). 



Scene. — A public street. Enter Punchinello and Pipes 
(two strolling showmen), from opposite sides. 

Punch. 

War and thunder, brother showman ; that's not 
you ? 

Pipes. 

Slight mistake, if it's not. 

Punch. 

Where have you been starring it, past five years? 

Pipes. 

Under ground, part of the time. 
Where have you been ? 

Punch. 

Just escaped. Wrenched a lock, forced a holt. 
Filed a chain, bored a six foot hole. 
Couldn't digest hard tack. 
Who rammed you underground? 

Pipes. 

No one. It was voluntary compulsion. 
Within the walls of Granada J stayed 
While the raging siege; progressed. The maddened 
. Moors resolved to spike all Spaniards in the town. 



16 

Pipes. 

Taking the hint, I took a bucket too, 

And jumped the bucket with myself 

Down into a well, full forty feet in depth, 

And bumped on rats and reptiles whose thirsty 
shrieks 

Told that the well was dry. After twenty-seven 
days, 

Welcome shouts of triumphant Spaniards rang, 

I climbed to daylight and here I am again. 
Punch. 

The law was out of order, you will judge 

In my case. I started two fandango fellows 

Before a sick man's house, to wring some coins 

From his agony. He showered the money out 

To get us off. I then redoubled 

The racket of the pipes to worry him, 

But instead of sending out more money, 

He sent for the officers of the law, 

Who grasped and chucked me, while my partners 

Vanished with the cash. 
Pipes. 

I stifle to think that our profession 

Should have come under the bludgeon of the law. 
Punch. 

Did it ever strike you that our profession 

Is rattling down the hill? 
Pipes. 

Yes; it struck me insensible at the bottom 

Of the well. 
Punch. 

I grieve to observe that third-class impostors 

Are imitating our entertainment. 
Pipes. 

Bad enough ; but blame the war more than all. 

The lower orders of the Moors always 

Patronized our entertainments. 

To catch the upper classes, a slow broken bone 

Lamentation was just the thing. The Moors 

Are now down, and we may fling the pipes 

And Punchinello on top of them. 



17 

Punch. 

Hold! here comes an angel with two children. 

(Enter Beatrix and two children passing along). 

Pardon, gracious madam, our overflowing 
Desire to gratify the little hearts of children. 
Our show being chaste, they can look, laugh, and 

listen, 
And investigate free of all expense. 

Beatrix. 

Accept the expense. You can owe them 

The amusement. (Gives them money). 

( While Punch is speaking, Pipes stands aloof, gazing in 
wonder at Beatrix). 
We are pressed for time. 

Pipes (aside). 

Madam, pardon one word more. Startled 
By your resemblance to a most distinguished 
Lad}' whom my sister nursed, impelled, I feel 
To speak. Many generations of her race 
My family have served, in humble grade. 

Beatrix. 

Whereto, belonged those people of whom you 
speak ? 
Pipes. 

Cordova. 

Beatrix. 

Their name. 

Pipes. 

Enriquez. 

The youngest daughter, Beatrix, was by 
My sister nursed. My father her father's 
Tast}^ gardener was ; and. as trusty coachman 
My grandfather drove a noted span for 
Her grandfather. 

Beatrix. 

What is 3 T our name? 

Pipes. 

Espinosa. 



18 

Beatrix. 

That the strict breeding of a sobered home, 
Should have east off a fantastic rover 
Like you, seems strange, 

Pipes. 

A restless boyhood drifted me to sea. 

By savage pirates I was then enslaved. 

1 tricked their vigilance, and from bondage 

Tore to the open sea again. A ship-wreck 

Changed the current of my thoughts, and I roved 

For years upon the land, blowing the horn 

At times, for the royal mail. A showman 

I then bought out. This is my career. 

Beatrix. 

You are a man of honor without reward. 

Perhaps your lucky hour has come. Would money 

Tempt you to the sea again ? 
Pipes. 

Any day for good pay I am ready. 
Beatrix. 

Then come aside. You can cage a secret? 

I am Beatrix Enriquez. 

These are children of Columbus. 

I am conveying them to court unknown 

To him. You have heard of Columbus? 
Pipes. 

Many and many a time. 
Beatrix. 

Talk is rife again about his expedition. 

Should his canvas spread, I shall have on board 

Observant eyes to play the faithful watch. 

The place is yours. Like your messmates you 
must 

Also play the sailor. But secretly 

You shall make in briefest diction a record 

Daily of every incident of moment 

To Columbus. Note his orders, tone of voice, 

The cloud and sunshine on his looks ; 

His health, appetite, and snatching slumbers, 

And above all his joys, if any, he reveals. 

His joys are the dress garments of my poor love. 



19 

Beatrix. 

Alas! my love is charted as a reef, 

Or quicksand by him, but second soundings 

Will prove it, the sunken wreck of affection. 

I am comforted now at meeting one 

Of the time-tried followers of my kindred 

[\\ whom I can confide. To-morrow, dawn, 

Vou will meet me again, where this card instructs. 

(Gives him a card). 
If worthy, your comrade might share my friend- 
ship, too. 

Pipes. 

1 am all action without prattle. 

Prattlers and tattlers were scarce in my family. 

Beatrix. 

Time is pressing. Come children, wo must away. 
Adieu. [Exit]. 

( While Pipes is speaking with Beatrix, Punch is enlight- 
ening the children on the mysteries of the show). 

Punch. 

Who was that meek inspiration ? 

Pipes. 

Can you cage a secret ? 

Punch. 

\ r es ; and I can stitch it in tlie lining 
Of my coat. 

Pipes. 

Whisper. She's a discovery. 

Punch. 

Has she discovered on us? Any danger? 

Pipes. 

Danger and discovery are sometimes 
Fields of fortune. 

Punch. * 

Yes, I have found them so, 
When discovery of danger, disclosed 
The danger of discover)-. 



20 

Pipes. 

Danger or. death, 
I am going to discover something. 
I shall auction off the pipes and jingling bobs. 
I am into a prime game of go-between 
With money on both sides. Between my claws 
The lovers shall feel a squeeze. 

Punch. 

Why not give your chum a chance? I'll give you 
points. 
Pipes. 

We'll talk it over. Bring your traps along. 
Your companionship may yield some 
Cunning hints. 

[Exeunt]. 

Scene — Interior of La Ribida. Columbus, Prior Juan 
Perez, Martin Pinzon, Doctor Fernandez, &c. 

Friar. 

Her majesty I found at Santa Fe, 

In that gracious mood which is hers .alone. 

Being a former penitent of mine, 

Her royal presence reproduced old joys. 

Welcome I expected, but more I received, 

And to your advantage very much indeed. 

Isabella rose to bounding plaudits 

As her voice mounted to yowx bold conceptions. 

She expressly charged, without stop or stay, 

That you at court present yourself in person, 

To instruct her in your plans, requirements, 

And the possibilities of results. 

In your approval lies your own success. 

Columbus. 

I must decline, finally, for ever. 

A month or two ago had Ferdinand 

Thrown me his pockethandkerchicf in jest, 

I would have carried it to the mast-head 

As a flag, and proudly dared the ocean 

With a ten ton caravel. Worlds were cheap 

When a worthless rag could have fired adventure. 

Since then new worlds have sobered in their rates. 



21 

Columbus. 

Values have advanced far beyond the reach 
Of Arragon. That which I propose to find 
I shall carry to a foreign marl for sale. 
Glory, debased by profit, may not yield 
Sweet rhymes to poets. But rhymes and glory 
Have no stalls in market. Therefore, I'll strike 
A sharp bargain with those who will but trade. 

Friar. 

Know } 7 ou, now Columbus, 

That you have not to treat with Arragon. 

Your fortune lies in Castile. Commission, 

Ships, seamen, and supplies, a protecting Hag, 

And a cheering smile for a fair wind, 

Are all yours from good Queen Isabella's heart. 

The monarchs are united by sacred 

And domestic ties, but Isabella 

.Rules Castile. You will meet a sailor, a Plato, 

A Ca?sar, and an angel, in the Queen. 

Columbus. 

Kind Father, just when night was blackest, 

And the dismal journey of life was crossed 

By puzzling and unfamiliar paths, you, 

By inscrutible destiny, arose 

At the point whereat I paused, and led mc 

Into the pleasant sunshine of hope. 

I am not short of gratitude, but of terms 

In which to word it. Your words have saved me 

From my blind intentions. Your careful soundings 

At Santa Fe have given me a chart, 

But above all, you have paid the ransom 

Of my imprisoned pride, by acting for me. 

And now my will is yours, with this single 

.Reservation, that I myself dictate 

The terms, if I am commissioned. 

Friar. 

The means to the end can be proportioned 
By you alone. 

Pinzon. 

Reverend Father, my interposition 

You will forgive. In your absence, talking 

With our honored friend, Columbus, upon 



22 

PiNZON. 

This self-same question of ways and means, 

I diffidently let slip the offer 

Of a seventy-ton first-class caravel, 

To assist in any expedition 

With Columbus in command. A sea-boat, 

Worthy of the waves, she's named the Pinta, 

And I, her captain, will gladly guide her 

Wherever Columbus leads. 

Columbus. 

Captain Pinzon, our friendship is scaled. 

Should Isabella prove half as willing 

As the Captain of the Pinta, the port 

Of Palos, soon will ring with departing cheers. 

Friar. 

Then it is agreed that we have agreed 
On immediate action. 

Columbus. 

Action, if no reaction chills the royal will. 

Pinzon. 

Reaction and inaction were buried 
In the fall of Grenada. At present, 
Action is the word that applies in Spain. 

Friar. 

Then let us act forthwith, each to his work. 
But friends, all, let us first repair 
To our humble oratory for a parting prayer. 

[Exeunt']. 



Scene. — Private Chamber In the Palace. King Ferdi- 
nand and Luis St. Angel. 

Ferdinand. 

With all our glory I am dismayed by dark 
Forebodings. 

St. Angel. 

The sum of triumph, comes not to the grasp at 

at once. Sometimes 
Like fern leaves, the results of war fructify _ 
On the back; the seeds unseen in propagation 
Thrive, and in time the land becomes enriched. 



23 

Ferdinand. 

How, if sudden blight should blast all the seeds ? 

Noxious omens now are being waited round. 
St. Angel. 

Being exalted, your majesty's ken extends beyond 
Ours 

In many things. To common Spanish hearts 

The prospect could not present more comfort. 
Ferdinand. 

Comfort if nothing lay beyond. See that 

Pompous stretching of the limbs at Lisbon. 

"Tis meant for might and mettle, but is envy 

In disguise. From us no active notice 

Is demanded, but Spain must keep her eye 

Upon our little neighbor. 
St. Angel. 

Confronting possibilities, the safest 

Statecraft is: A poodle pup fattened 

Into impudence is not a mastiff; 

ITis barking at our heels is more fun than fright. 

Ferdinand. 

Suppose that poodle should shed all his fleece 

except 
The mane, and give a lion's roar. How then? 

St. Angel. 

Let all the lions loose that 3-our majesty 
Loosened on the Moors. 

Ferdinand. 

Observation at present, and provision 

'Gainst insecurity for the future 

Is our best policy. It is plain to all 

That rapid aggrandizement from discoveries 

Has given vigor to the whole face 

Of Portugal. Where are we upon the seas ? 

Pay and bounty must drive our fleets abroad 

Or else we must recede and brook dictation. 

St. Angel. 

Outside empire, if any still remains. 

Be it rock or region, shall own your flag 

By the simple sanction of your word. 



24 

Ferdinand. 

Outside our word 'twould take some magic meaus 
To give us that accrument. 

St. Angel. 

We have one daring spirit in our midst, 

With thoughts unborrowed, and too big to lend ; 

Who can locate a land of gold, his eyes 

Have never seen. I vouch he can, from proof 

His words have given. 

Ferdinand. 

You mean Columbus? 

St. Angel. 
I do. 

Ferdinand. 

I know the man as an apparition 

In my thoughts. He has dogged us with his vast 

And tedious theories; and approached us 

Only when the risks of war strained our thoughts. 

With something sharper than a sword, I cut 

His theories short. If his soul is hurt, 

The healing time is come. We'll make amends. 

St. Angel. 

To rekindle his esteem, reparation's 
Easiest course would be a royal order 
To proceed to sea at once. 

Ferdinand. 

That order I cannot give. JSTo party 
Can I be to an enterprise which hangs 
As much on chance as on the sailor's skill. 
Failure would wreck our prestige. 

St. Angel. 

Hold your sanction till it has succeeded. 
The means to float it is what is needed. 

Ferdinand. 

It will acquit us best, perhaps, to leave 

All arrangements to the Queen. Twice she spoke 

Of summoning Columbus to the court 

To learn from his lips the positive 

And the very doubtful certainties of his scheme. 

1 would have 3 T our counsel assist her 

Should Columbus present himself at court; 

Her sanction should not run too lavish. 



25 

St. Angel. 

Between business and benevolence 
Her majesty can draw the line. To profit 
By her wisdom, I shall attend upon her, 
And will suggest, if anything is forgotten. 

Ferdinand. 

We are competitors for the world's trade, 
And it is true new territory we covet, 
But that from the barbarian only. 
Find him where we may, by Christendom un- 
claimed, 
In palms, or golden filigree attired, 
We shall trim his traditions and clothe him 
In the fashions of a new existence. 

St. Angel. 

Sound in wisdom every word. But to end 
Small measurings I say, Columbus westward 
Let him sail. Discovery's the thing. 

Ferdinand. 

Then let Columbus have the chance he craves. 

His nature's paradox being rashly right, 

Fits him for the work. His words sound sagel}^ 

But as ripples are no gauge of depth, drop 

A well-greased lead into his theories, 

Humor his ambition with assurance 

Of honors on his triumphant return. 

Above all, place his loyalt}^ beyond 

The touch of our neighbor's envy. At once 

To the Queen repair. Colum-bus may be 

In audience at this moment. 

St. Angel. 

Your royal words in rekindling echo 

Shall be rendered to her majesty. 

The tide is with us. Yea, the awaiting flood 

Is more momentous than that which carried 

Caesar and his fortunes. Every ebb of tide 

Now counts against us. To the Queen forthwith ! 

[Exit], 



26 

Ferdinand. 

Two uncommon citizens ! a prophet 

And a discoverer. Whether the waves 

Our words bemoan or loudly verify, 

We shall the meanwhile spend the interest 

Of that fictitious capital called hope. 

But the rank unwholesome Moorish question 

Has left unfinished work, which strains the 

strength 
Of all our" thoughts. A train of sturdy 
Measures must be enforced to end the question 
Forever and forever. [Exit]. 



Columbus before Isabella at Santa Fe. Present- 
Nobles, Prelates, Sage Professors, and 
distinguished Ladies. 

Isabella. 

Christopher Columbus, our inaction 
During the interlapse, since your first appeal, 
Was caused by the turmoil and financial 
Drain of protracted war. To make amends 
Now, we have summoned you to our presence. 
Your bold proposals in all their bearings, 
G-iven from your own lips, will best satisfy 
Our judgment. You shall supremely govern 
Our whole attention, by now proceeding 
With any method of instruction you may adopt. 
{Enter Luis St. Angel). 
Columbus. 

Your most gracious majesty, descrying 
The golden. Indies would be an ecstacy, 
But the pride of discovery would not 
Half compare with the exalted pleasure 
Imparted by your royal and befriending 
Words. To the whole world it is no secret 
That your majesty has a generous heart ; 
Therefore, I have made no discovery. 
But to gratify that heart, discovery 
I shall bestow, if sanction is vouchsafed. 
In bringing my theories before you, 
I shall strike all philosophy from them, 



27 

Columbus. 

Save the points that failed at Salamanca. 

First point: are antipodes impossible 
If the earth is round. Ptolemy says no. 
He belts the Earth with four and twenty hours, 
And fifteen of these he precisely gives 
To the extended are ttoit joins Thina> 
In Asia, to the Canaries' ancient group. 
One hour more to the Azores, makes sixteen, 
And makes all of the world that now is known. 
I propose to find the eight hours missing, 
Which in degrees, six score measure. 'Tis plain 
If our race can swarm with an all-angled 
Footing upon a curve, twelve score degrees, 
They can hold the remaining arc. But still 
We are asked is the world round. Shadows an- 
swer that. 
But a sailor's proof is deemed the simplest. 
Before he sights the ship itself, he sees 
The lofty sails. Next blurted question is : 
Are the glittering Indies fiction 
To make the toddlings gape. The answer must 

come 
From the very lips of the illustrious dead. 
Marco Palo, w T ho had seen the roofs of gold, 
The golden stairway, the hundred thousand 
Elephants, all caparisoned in gold, 
And the dazzing profusion of precious stones, 
Was asked upon his dying bed to retract 
His statements. He said no. After him 
The noble Mandeville swej)t the Indies, 
And others followed, and their narratives 
Endorse each other. Marco Palo went 
By an eastern route. I propose to go 
By a western route to plant the banners 
Of your majesties in the golden Indies. 
Isabella. 

Columbus, enough ; decision is reached. 

We are convinced. You may forthwith proceed 

With active preparations. I hereby 

Assume the Avhole responsibility 

And cost of the expedition on the part 



Isabella. 

Of my own crown exclusively. The funds 
By personal sacrifice shall be found. 
My jewels shall be pawned and the proceeds 
To your credit written. 

St. Angel. 

I beg to assure your generous majesty 
That for this sacrifice there is no need. 
That money can he advanced from the funds 
Of Arragon, I have authority to state. 

Isabella. 

Either way will equally please. 

Columbus. 

With most profound respect and highest 

Sense of gratitude, I thank your majesty 

For your most enlightened action. 

It now becomes my duty to submit 

The terms on which I accept your commission. 

To compel strict obedience in the fleet, 

I demand the title of admiral 

Of the Spanish seas. To gain submission 

From strange peoples, I demand the title 

And dignities of viceroy of the lands 

I shall discover; and in addition, 

I demand one-tenth of all the products 

And trade of said lands in perpetuity. 

St. Angel. 

Columbus, her majesty's approval 
.Reflects the King's. For both, I say your demands 
Are outside compliance. Should your venture 
Come to nothing, titles would be mere sounds 
Without rank. Titles should succeed success. 

Columbus. 

Every means essential to my enterprise 
I have well considered, and the result 
Is given in the conditions named. 
Before embarking from the shores of Spain 
I shall humbly claim a royal patent 
Embodying all my rights and titles. 
The imperishable parchment engrossed 
In .Roman letters, and not a letter less, 
Shall be my credentials to the grand Kahn 
Of all the Indies. 



29 

[SAB ELLA. 

I do think Columbus should be clothed 
With superior power to compel respect 
From his warrior seamen. Concession- 
Most generous we are willing to make. 

St. Angel. 

These shrewd claims so suddenly announced 
Call for consideration. 

Columbus. 

I shall all abandon, or insist. 
No compromise. 

St. Angel. 

Then I propose immediate conference 
With the King. That will satisfy us all. 

Columbus. 

Satisfied 1 am, if I am satisfied. 

Isabella. 

Now Columbus, the time is come to say 
Goodbye. Take this little cross for my sake 
To the dismal seas, and in tempest and 
Solicitude, it will remind you that 
The seas arc swept by the merciful eye 
Of Him who died for you. Health ! Safety ! 
And a triumphant return ! Adieu ! 

Columbus. 

With that cross, your majesty, other crosses 
Shall be overcome. 

St. Angel. 

Now to the King for conference. 

{All withdraw). 



ACT II. 

Barcelona. — Scene. — A Street. In centre a public font 
surmounted by statue, behind which Beatrix secretly 
listens. Time — Midnight. Enter Don Ignacio {in dis- 
guise) and Espinosa. 

Ignacio. 

Out with it now, this deserted byway sleeps. 
None can hear us ; minutes count. 

Espinosa. 

Come, funnel up your ears, and I'll fill you up 

With sea-water, notes, and memoranda 

Splashed from the admiral's own log. No lie. 

That log is mine ; a mine of gold it's worth. 

This is the fourtune treacherous Pinzon lost. 

lie deserted Columbus, and steered home 

To be the first to trumpet to the court 

The great discoveries, and claim the prize. 

This book opens the road to the new world 

Without the company of Columbus. 
. I, therefore, am the richest man in Spain. 
Ignacio. 

How fell this precious record to your luck ? 
Espinosa. 

Too full of wonder am I now to tell. 
Ignacio. 

To kill impatience burst the wonder quick. 
Espinosa. 

There may be profit in patience. Attend : 

Now I know nothing about azimuth, 

Longitude, and angular distance. 

But this book is crammed with these ocean mile- 
stones, 

Which mark the unerring path for ships to sail. 

You or I can reach the new world now. 
Ignacio. 

Did Columbus rejoice at finding land? 



31 

ESPINOSA. 

Yes; and our hardships were ejected from our 

heads 
By the novelty of the scene. 

Ignacio. 

Did be name the place first Bighted? 

Espinosa. 

Yes; being fond of prayers and holy names, 
He called it the Island of San Salvador. 

Ignacio. 

On your return to Spain did Palos fling 

Her bugging arms round you ? 
Espinosa. 

Yes ; her arms took our legs from under us. 

Tossed we were as first-born babes into the air. 

The whole journey from Palos to Barcelona 

Was one foaming wine-drinking, trumpeting 

Triumph. 
Ignacio. 

You will show your shining buttons 

In to-morrow's triumphal procession ? 

Espinosa. 

Yes; all who have returned from the Indies 

Will escort Columbus and the Indians 

Through the streets. 
Ignacio. 

You will return to the Indies ? 
Usptnosa. 

Never as a sailor; perhaps, as a speculator. 

10NACIO. 

Well, suppose that I speculate in that book, 

And that you speculate with the gold exchange? 

Espinosa. 

Where is your cloud-capt mountain of gold 

With which to buy it? Pooh ! if I go to any 

Of the hangers-on round the court, such as 

Bobadilla, Ovando, or De Ojcida, 

They will sack the royal mint and give me 

Barrows of bullion for one single peep 

At this guide to the land of gold. 



32 

Ignacio. 

O, come to business. How to your luck 
Did this log book chance to fall? 

Espinosa. 

That's a history. A scapegrace life 
I lived for many }^ears ; at last I chanced 
To meet a mystery — a love struck lady. 
She idolized no less a person than 
Columbus. In vain she schemed at playing 
The stowaway in the Santa Maria. 
But detection fearing, with bribes she tempted me 
To ship, and plaj r the watch. With her name in- 
scribed, 
That vapory maiden handed me this book. 
In it I was to make a daily note 
Of every action, mood and emotion 
Of Columbus, to soothe her pining soul. 
1 jumped on board and chuckeled. Then threw 

the book 
Under the keen eye of the Admiral. 
As if the dead had risen he whitened 
At reading Beatrix Enriquez 

On the first page. I claimed the book, and more 
1 claimed the lady as the benefactress 
Of my humble family. His heart burst bounds. 
I was made admiral's valet with charge 
Of all private papers and the log. 

Ignacio. 

Then you stole the log? 

Espinosa. 

No ; from it I made a daily copy 
Of every recorded observation, for outward 
And return voyage. This is the copy 
And true log. 

Ignacio. 

You have deceived Columbus and the lady. 

Espinosa. 

Yes ; I have. But think you, that I who had 

prowled 
In the raw winds of poverty and lain 
In the lairs of hounded thugs, and smut clouts, 
Could have suddenly recast my nature 



33 

ESPTNOSA. 

To compile u cupid's love-book, for this 
Fitful damsel, to construe her dreams by? 
No ; T risked my life for fortune ; let him 
Who will, give his life for glory. 

Ignacio. 

Some royalty of soul sparkles in your words. 
When honesty becomes enriched by toil, 
Its independence is storm-proof. 

Espinosa. 

Sir, you do me justice. My true motives 
Being not misunderstood, breeds an inward 
Satisfaction. 

Ignacio. 

Our sympathies entwining for mutual good 
Prove us as well matched as nature's twins. 

Espinosa. 

May this healthy friendship never need a drug. 
Ignacio. 

Gilded pills are the drugs for enmity. 

Each the other we, in barter may outbid, 

But he who bids for one, must buy us both. 
Espinosa. 

Your lusty frankness is a cue to business. 

To a midnight tavern let us quickly trip 

And with a flask of wine place tuis treasure (the 
book) 

In the scales. 

Ignacio. 

Agreed. 

ESPTNOSA. 

You know Barcelona? Is there an open house? 

Ignacio. 

Yes ; two turns of the street will bring the sign 
Of the Caravel in sight, where good wines, 
A rosy widow, and welcome can be found. 

Espinosa. 

Then let us thither, away. [Exeunt], 

{Enter Beatrix from behind the Font). 



34 

Beatrix. 

Angels of heaven disarm my vengeance 
Whilst I pursue these demons. The ghoul-eyed 
Slimy spiders now spread their midnight mesh 
To catch their incautious prey. To entangle 
The brave Columbus is their aim. Round me 
Already the poisoned coils are wreathed, 
But the sleepless sentinels who keep watch 
Over unwary souls, w r ill blast the plot, 
And cast the shame of daylight upon the rogues. 
The iron knaves, with swine-fat phrases rub 
Each other. I'll track them to hear the last 
Syllable of their reeking spume, though death 
Doth follow. ' \Mxi£\. 



Scene. — A vast and magnificent Saloon in the Royal 
Palace of Barcelona. Thrones under a rich canopy 
of brocade of gold. King, Queen, and Prince Juan 
seated. A throng of nobles, cardinals, and Court 
dignitaries. Enter Columbus accompanied by In- 
dians. All kneel down, and tJ<e Te Deum Lauela- 
mus is sung. 

King Ferdinand. 

Admiral Columbus, in greeting you 

Be it ordained, you being our most honored 

subject, 
That your presence suspends all ceremony. 
Take your seat. 

Columbus. 

Your gracious majesty 
Has not only given me rank, but also 
TJndergrades to rule. The respect I exact 
From them, I in turn render unto you. 
Therefore, in conformity with discipline, 
I stand before your majesties. 

Ferdinand. 

Which way you will before us, before the world 
You sit enthroned, and crowned. In history 
No event can confront your achievement. 



35 

Ferdinand. 

Legion against legion gave Caesar conquests; 

A debauch gave Babylon to Cyrus ; 

The prattle of geese shook Brennus at Rome, 

But the prattle of the grim engulfing 

Ocean, dismayed you not. No chance or trick 

Of fortune threw a tow-line to your hopes. 

Your little timbers bounded 'gainst the legions 

Of howling billows, until destiny 

Compelled a final triumph. This day Spain 

Garlands her affections round a hero's brow. 

She has given you a Eoman triumph. 

No Zenobia dragged in golden chains 

Sighed behind your triumphal car. No spoils 

From temples and strongholds were marshaled into 

Your glittering pageant. You are not 

A Hannibal, for you have not returned 

To Carthage with the pecks of jeweled rings. 

Only the simple products of the soil 

And treasures of the mines you have brought. 

These are more to Spain than the gloried trophies 

Of .Rome or Macedon. This great event 

Makes every voice a trumpet ; and forever 

Shall its multitudinous echo be heard. 

Columbus, accept the nation's gratitude, 

And spare us not in all requirements 

For your future deeds. 

Columbus. 

On deck in clamoring winds, better can I 
Than at court, strike spirit into utterance. 
At hearing the plaudits of Spain, I am happy ; 
At finding what I sought, I am gratified ; 
Since your majesties have exalted me, 
I am proud ; and pride in service marks 
The servant proved. All the quakes and perils 
Of the voyage I will not here recount, 
But the chilled horrors and phenomena 
Of one single day and night I will give, 
To serve as the story of every day. 
It was night, our starboard was badly struck ; 
The ship was filling, the heavens confused 
Our eyes, while the north star jumped from side 
to side 



36 

Columbus. 

Of the needle. All the spurs and rigging 

Were on fire, but all unburn!. The pumps sweated 

With great elfeet throughout the night, but dawn 

Displayed the death seowl of mutiny 

Upon the dogged decks. Knives flashed, holy 

names 
Were thundered and the ocean seemed to climb 
Upon itself, and with it dragged us. Then 
Headlong downward, a bound, and all was changed. 
The ocean was changed to land to the limit 
Of the eye. But joy was changed to panic. 
The land was but a seaweed scum upon the sea. 
Imagined rocks hurled madness through the ships. 
Thirst and water famine, a broken rudder 
And creaking timbers renewed the death yell 
Of mutiny. That was a night and day. 
But we have survived, and land was found. 

Discovery's one thing, possession's another. 
In one tragic moment, provoked distrust 
Might dispossess us. The gods and the laws 
Of this new land must stand beside our own 
Until the false foundations of usage 
Have thawed before the glow of Christianity. 
The new account opened in the national 
Ledger, will in time record stupendous 
Dealing. Honesty being a draft at sight, 
With the confiding natives, embarkation 
Must be debarred to all but honest men. 
The haberdasher must not extort bullion 
For his buttons, nor the cake vender jewels 
For his melting sweets. Your royal heed will 
Correct corrupt adventure. Your majesties' 
Empire abroad shall count additional 
Degrees in our next report. May you both live 
To sec 1 , its utmost limits, and may those limits 
Outlive us all. 

Ferdinand. 

Columbus, this day the hired orator 
Is out of work. Piping speech is silenced 
By the thunderous acclamations of all Spain. 
Law js set aside for the people's action, 
Ami action is the bone of history. 



37 

Ferdinand. 

Your pleasure is the complement of our joy, 
But time now is trenchant, and will Bever 
Us a while. Meanwhile get ready for the sen 
Again. Adieu, Columbus! 

Isabella. 

Columbus, my best wishes and adieu ! 
Beatrix (Rushing forward from the door). 

Columbus! You are betrayed ! Conspiracy ! 

Beware ! 

{She is hustled off). 

Columbus. 

Lay not hands upon her! A rhapsody 
Hath cleft her lips! Joy hath dazed her! 
Lead her to the open air! Your majesties. 
Only a joyous interruption from 
A surcharged rapture. Long live the King 
And Queen of Spain and their empire abroad! 
{Music — Grand March, as the curtain drops). 



Scene. — A Street {by-way) in Barcelona. Enter Ovando, 
Bobadilla, Roldan, Aguado and De Ojeda. 

Ovando. 

I do hate the pretentions of this fellow, 
Columbus. Seeing that his hungry bones 
Were eating through his rags, a plunge for life 
Was needed. He chanced to find some islands 
And has crazed the world with false reports. 
The sharp, grease-soaked mendicant foreigner, 
Now swaggers to court with the proud titles 
Of Admiral and His Excellency. 
What has the blood of Spain come to, when beggars 
Rank front of nobles before the King? 

Bobadilla. 

'Tis true, but some sober heads are left. 
We can discredit the brazen impostor 
And his barren rocks, from which he pirated 
These amphibious beings called Indians. 
The question is, are we all united 
For his overthrow-. 



38 



EOLDAN. 



Yes ; we swear it. 



De Ojeda. 

Then I say, bravely stake your united services 

With the King for any expedition abroad, 

Which lie may project. 
Eoldan. 

What, as sailors ? 

OVANDO. 

Certainly not. 
Aguado. 

Nor as cooks? 

BOBADILLA. 

JNo sir; as discoverers. 

OVANDO. 

That's the word. It fits firmly to our fancy. 

De Ojeda. 

Yes, and my oath the devil may sue for 
If 1 don't find a better tailored people 
Than those mermaid savages kidnapped. 
By Columbus. 

BOBADILLA. 

That pirate has discovered nothing, except 
That Spaniards are a flock of geese. 
Ovando. 

Geese with teeth to bite, when suspicion prompts. 

BOBADILLA. 

To give him a fall, we must give him a lift. 
Before the King we must lift the fellow 
Upon the shoulders of our influence, 
And make a show of friendship. Kings' pets 
Like old maids' cats need p'ctting, when you would 
Fill their places. 
Aguado. 

Eoldan is not in the log-book secret. 

BOBADILLA. 

Then out with it, and let him in. 
Aguado. 

Eoldan, your ears must not covet a whisper 
From your lips. Dead secrecy. Through Ignacio's 



89 

Aguado. 

Juggled artifice, we have secured 

A copy of the log and bearing of the road 

To the so-called Indies. With it. our fortunes 

Are sure to float. 
Ovando. 

Here comes Ignacio himself. 
All. 

Bravo! Welcome, Ignacio. 
Bobadilla. 

What's the news ? 
Ignacio. 

Most distressing news, but most refreshing. 

The plunging and shouting of Beatrix 

In the presence of royalty, have thrown 

Columbus into a mortal rage. 

The incident singes off his chaste repute. 

When his relations with Beatrix 

Reach the ear of the Bishop Fonseca 

Who is to administer Indian affairs? 

The inexorable prelate will rate 

The Indies as rubbish, alongside 

The sighs of dishonored confidence. 
Ovando. 

Ponseca is our wedge. There is not in Spain 

A sterner will than his. 

De Ojeda. 

That quarter's all right. 
Bobadilla. 

One quarter more will halve the battle. 

Ignacio. 

From all quarters the wind of jealousy 
Shall pla} T upon him. That he does not hate 
This woman, is not in doubt ; but doubly 
Proved we have it he will not marry her. 
lie is the sun in her soul's meridian. 
But woman's worship, and broken idols 
Fall together. Fallen idols are despised. 
Ere this idol crumbles to unwelcome trash, 
I'll mask it in the mind of Beatrix 
In hideous eclipse and dazzle her soul 



40 

Ignacio. 

With one glimpse of undissembled love ; 
So well dissembled, it will be love in looks. 

BOBADILLA. 

Excellent. Your purpose is to the very point. 
It will toss and tangle up Columbus 
And make patch work of his plans. 

Ovando. 

With equal skill, let each plot out his part. 

EOLDAN. 

Eeady we are as ravenous tigers 

Starved on mice. Nor shall we doze off deeds 

Like sleepy saints, who dream of heaven in bed, 

And reach the church when all the prayers are said. 

{Enter old Professor 'passing hurriedly along). 
Ignacio. 

Hallo, admiral ! 
Professor. 

I'm in haste. Can't stay. 
Ovando. 

Your Excellenc}^ ! don't go. What's your haste? 
Professor. 

A discovery. Going to the Queen with a discovery. 

BOBADILLA. 

Hold, bold navigator, what is the discovery? 
Professor. 

A frog. He is in this box. 
Eoldan. 

A frog! That beats Christopher's Indians. 

Professor. 

He has a tendency to talk, 

A tendency to whiskers, 

A tendency to walk, 

In a pair of skinny slippers. 

He has a tendency to chills, 

A tendency to dimples, 

A tendency for pills, 

Which redden all his pimples. ' 
Eoldan. 

Bravo, admiral ! Bring the frog along. 



41 

EoLDAN. 

We shall swim him in a bowl of amontillado. 

Professor. 

Am bound on business ; can't go. 

All. 

Come along, Christopher; we can't part with you. 
(He is hustled off'). [.Exeunt], 



Scene. — Cadiz. Columbus and his brother Diego. 

Columbus. 

We must trust the methods and memory 

Of no man. See for yourself that the fleet 

With essential trifles is well supplied. 

The general equipment lacks but better looks. 

The boatswain's, joiner's, and the caulker's kits 

Inspect. Tools, even to a canvas needle, 

And broken glass for scraping spars, should be 

In instant reach. Have flint and steel beside 

Saltpetre spunk, but apart from oil and grease. 

See that the doctor's physic is not all ink 

And half-dead Latin. Cast an eye, but pry not 

Into the providence or poverty 

Of the reverend fathers, and note well 

The stock of rosaries and holy books 

On board. Above all give extravagance 

To music, for wind and string implements 

Are weapons in a warring sea. Spare strings 

Provide for snaps, and a snap for danger then. 

To catch to-morrow's flood, to-morrow's work 

Must be done to-night. This sunset must find 

Every man on board. 

Diego. 

Eodoubled bustle 
In the fleet, will afford the sun spare time. 

Columbus. 

See that bustle does not play with discipline. 

Diego. 

The method of your orders well establish that. 

{Miter a sailor much excited). 



42 

Sailor. 

In breathless haste 1 come to give the news 
That four sweating hands laboring on the pumps 
Of the worthy Nina scarcely serve 
To keep the craft afloat. 

Columbus. 

G-ood news. Better now 
Than to hear it upon the helpless seas. 
Diego, reach the scene at once, and rush 
A score or more of men upon the work, 
If the leaks are not too low give the boat a pitch. 

Diego. 

She shall be, before to-night, as sound as port 
Bearing the crust of time. {Exit). 

{Enter Beatrix unexpectedly). 

Beatrix. 

Columbus! O, Columbus! intrusion 
Pity. I bring no distracting sorrows, 
To flash you into anger or remorse. 
Heaven directed footsteps have borne me here 
From Barcelona, to bathe my failing heart 
In consolation. Not with cares and grief 
Come I, to plead for by-gone loves, long dead. 
Nor come I with claims in forced dictation. 
It was joy alone that allured he here 
To hear the salvos of national glory 
Thundered at your departure. You arc free 
As the mountain torrent to bound and shimmer 
In the sunshine of fame. The happiest woman 
Am I, to be a witness in the crowd. 

Columbus. 

O, Beatrix, could mine eyes pierce upward 
To the throne of heaven, should I not ask 
With unflinching gaze, have I not courted 
The dismal side of life — its trials, dangers 
And disappointments — all to make amends 
For repented deeds. The cross I have planted 
In new-known lands, whence some stray pilgrim's 

prayers 
May reach the ear of heaven, and descend 
In chastening blessings upon us both. 
A dead wife hovering in ni}- thoughts. 



43 

Columbus. 

. Reciting my oath not to marry again, 
Strikes down my will, just when strong to act. 
A dead wife wronged, to deceive a living one, 
Would be but setting the scales with two wrongs 
To balance each other. When conscience groans 

loud, 
The grinding sorrows of remorse, and years 
Of rigid sacrifice must be endured. 

Beatrix. 

Endured I have, a relentless judgment, 
And have sorrowed myself alone. My hopes. 
As a taper that hath burnt itself out 
Have flickered away to be enkindled 
No more. 

Columbus. 

Beatrix, to all that are born 
A punishment is assigned — all transgress 
Most grievously. A multitude of dread woes 
Discharge themselves in an angry kindness 
Upon us, to promote our better safety. 

Beatrix. 

Should woes still sterner than any I have known 
Darken round me now, a sweetest joy 
They'd be, if their welcome would but lighten 
Your heart for the daring voyage before you. 

Columbus. 

My heart indeed is now enfeebled ; crushing 
Is the love you unburthen on that heart. 

Beatrix. 

Take it with you, for with such buoyant freight 
The veiy waves for joy will sparkle. 

Columbus. 

I would have the sparkle on }^our looks, 
.Rather than on the waves. 

Beatrix. 

On my beads of prayer the light of heaven 
Sparkles, and wakes vitality in withered hope*. 

Columbus. 

Prayer and faith are the lock and key of heaven. 



44 

Beatrix. 

But outside of cloisters they quickly tarnish. 

Columbus. 

Then give them a cloistered sanctuary, 

And in sweet conserving piety they will not spoil. 

Beatrix. 

1 thought of that, and then I thought anew, 

But the thought that conquered, thought alone 
of you. 
Columbus. 

Thoughts are sometimes not our own. Mine belong 

To Spain alone. Lives she has given me 

To pilot safely to the new-known world. 

Not enough are all my thoughts for that. 
Beatrix. 

Then let our thoughts flit free, but let our love 

At anchor ride. 
Columbus. 

Love should be changed to friendship, and friend- 
ship 

Should act as if it were in love. 
Beatrix. 

That is the love that is most enduring. 

Time and your thoughts are not your own. 

I will, therefore, depart with an urgent word 

Of caution : Traitors. 
{Enter officer and guards with Espinosa under arrest). 
Officer. 

This daring criminal in the very act 

Of tampering with the charts was caught. 
Beatrix. 

Villain he is ! a slimy fiend ! scourge him ! 

I will swear him to death ! 
Columbus (Takes Beatrix aside). 

This is public business. Beatrix withdraw 

With grace. 
Beatrix. 

Traitorous rogue. 
Columbus. 

Do, for my sake, withdraw and meet me, 



Columbus. 

For an important conference to-morrow. 

(Kisses her hand and bows her off). 

Hands off the prisoner! I know the man. 

And will fathom his in lent myself. 

Your duties demand your time; waste it where 

It is wanted. [Exeunt officer and guards]. 

Espinosa, what is your answer to the charge? 
Espinosa. 

I secretly heard that one Don Ignacio, 

A mortal enemy of yours, had bribed 

A knavish sailor to steal important 

Charts and memoranda from the ship. 

Without your orders, I made them doubly safe, 

And without reserve this is ray offence. 
Columbus. 

A misunderstanding. That is enough. 
Espinosa. 

Danger to your person I shall now divulge. 

That same railing woman whom you hurried 

From this spot, is plotting with Don Ignacio 
Columbus. 

Believe you so, by all that's sacred ? 
Espinosa. 

I can prove it. Come with me and you shall see 
them 

Both in fervent, damnable consultation. 

The plot is deep. She and Ignacio will stretch 

It from Spain to San Salvador. 
Columbus. 

Hath lightning struck 'gainst lightning, or hath 

Thunder silenced the voice of thunder, or have 

Sight and hearing both deceived me? 

Let us see. [Exeunt]. 

Scene. — A chamber. Bishop Fonseca and Bobadilla. 

Fonseoa. 

He who finds a gold mine and jealously 
Reserves his right alone to root its worth, 
-Robs the world of glittering expectation 
And disputes with providence the plaudits 



4(3 

FONSECA. 

Of discovery. And with Columbus 
Thus it is. 

BOBADILLA. 

With jealousy in one eye, 
In the other greed, his inward interest 
Seizes what it sees. 
Fonseca. 

That I will not affirm. 
When the oceans were in rags, Columbus 
Was in them. His hearth-stone at home sighed 

for him, 
Whilst the wet-flapping rags lashed him. 

BOBADILLA. 

Columbus is no coward, nor wet-spunk. 
He's a storm-bird hatched from the impetuous 
■ Elements of our nature. He will whirl 
Whither the winds will blow him. No coward ; 
His life is a hazard. 
Fonseca. 

Nor is he self-serving. 
Selfishness is another name for safety. 
It thrives upon the dread of risk. 'Twas risk, 
And death pale risk, that carried him beyond 
The reach of help. 

BOBADILLA. 

I sorrow for his faults. 
The faults of most men fall upon themselves 
His, make an abortion of his own work 
And bring pangs of disappointment to all. 
His royal sponsors with the very church 
Itself are shocked. 
Fonseca. 

To ascertain his motives, his actions,. 

We must follow, then our action shall follow hi.s. 

BOBADILLA. 

The Spanish colonies in your sacred hands 
Will grow to empires. 
Fonseca. 

Indian affairs shall grow if growth is in them. 
Insubordination and arrogance 
Shall not be suffered to stunt them. 



47 

BOBADILLA. 

The indispensable man knows no master 

Until his equal to a master yields. 

No better sailor than Columbus lives, 

But as pupils often excel their teachers, 

We may have men in Spain — I know we have — 

Who can streak the ocean with a hundred lines 

At angles to the Santa Maria's course. 

These lines may reach to regions far outside 

The calculations of brave Columbus, 

And make his discoveries but a playground 

To vast empires yet unknown. 

FoNSECA. 

Bobadilla, 
It breeds us second youth to find men like you. 
Tax your instincts with possibilities 
So sublime. Every man in Spain I vow 
Who has ambition's fangs wisely fastened 
To his enterprise shall have equal chance. 
Whom it may offend I care not. 

Bobadilla. 

How, should jealously blow its windy voice 
Upon the scales, to turn it against justice? 

Fonseca. 

When the common house-fly laps a ferment 
In the nascent stage he saves the whole world 
Perhaps an epidemic. Likewise a keen watch 
Upon the lips of jealousy may arrest 
The influence of a pestilential breath. 

Bobadilla. 

Your words sparkle with the cherished notions 
Of the King. They will have a triumphant 
Seconding from all the enterprise of Spain. 

Fonseca. 

I think, Bobadilla, Indian affairs 
Lit up by your luminous fancy, would soon 
Make the King's notions sparkle in a new light. 
I'll see the King about you ; your counsel 
Would assist us much at Cadiz. 

Bobadilla. 

In return for your friendship, I offer 
To find a hundred men fitted to lead 
Expeditions to the Indies. 



48 

FONSECA. 

But Columbus most steadfastly objects 
To yield us copies of his charts and journals. 
He claims that he alone must guide the traffic. 
Such a beggarly commerce would not feed 
The hungry cats of Catalonia. 

BOBADILLA. 

Leave the charts and journals to me. Money 
Will find them in the market. Mankind's strange 
Incorrigible curiosity hath 
Already made parlor pictures of them. 

(Enter Courier). 

Courier. 

Most sage and reverend administrator, 

I ask in the King's name privacy to speak. 

Fonseca. 

Bobadilla, rejoin me in an hour; 

I have something of further consequence 

To say. (Exit Bobadilla). 

Courier. 

Urgent instructions from the King 
I bring. The brother of Columbus 
Is hourly expected at Valladolid 
From the Court of England, where he has been 
Negotiating in the Discoverer's 
Behalf. Your presence at Valladolid 
Is needed to sift suspicions of base 
Bargaining between King Henry Tudor 
And Columbus. By word of mouth I give 
The King's commands to save delay and seal 
Dispatch with secrecy. 

Fonseca. 

We arc surprised if there is no surprise. 
I have no answer to instruct you with 
Beyond saying that all necessary steps 
Shall be taken at once. With posting speed 
Unbroken, we shall reach the court in time. 

Courier. 

In a lighter saddle I now shall sit 
Being unweighted of this grave affair. To spur 
The return road I leave your gracious presence 
And say Adieu ! [Exit]. 



49 

FONSECA. 

Best blessings and adieu ! 
Honest Diogenes ! since the search began, 
Has your lantern flashed 'pon an honorable man? 

(Exit). 



Scene — Court at Valladolid. Queen Isabella and 
Beatrix. 

Isabella. 

On his return I shall acquaint Columbus 
Of your visit to court, to see the young 
Precocious pages, and your own little son 
In particular. 

Beatrix. 

Your royal words weigh more 
Than all the earth with Columbus. Your heart 
And touching words in my cause will win him 
Out of all excuse. 

Isabella. 

Yes ; if pleased he looks, 
I will do more than speak. I will display 
In manner, the charm of your society; 
But in matters resting with his discretion 
I dare not approach him. His strong will 
Would resent dictation even from me. 

Beatrix. 

Inspiring pleasure from your words he will sip, 
And sap them to his heart. Enough 
Is well contained in your majesty's 
G-ood intentions. 

Isabella. 

In transacting with Columbus officially, 
It is not deemed in taste, to pry into 
The proportions of his domestic nature. 
His reverential warmth of speech, with his 
Illumined presence, seems true evidence 
Of goodness of nature. 

Beatrix. 

He so loved his wife; she is never dead. 
At times he thinks of her, and then of me ; 
Then of his promise not to marry again ; 



50 

Beatrix. 

And thus he vibrates between two forces. 
The poor negative force, I, would be willing, 
But for young Fernando, to weaken down 
My claim. 

Isabella. 

You want a friend, and friendship seldom fails 

When woman to a woman's heart appeals. 

You love Columbus ; the ocean loves him too ; 

But oceans are weak contending with you. 

In your cause I shall act the double part 

Of advocate on both sides, and umpire 

Between the two. Flood your thoughts with 

sunshine 
And clouds will glow with rosy tints. 

(Enter Prince Juan, Bartholomew, Columbus, and the 
two young pages). 

Juan. 

Your majest}^ in the temporary 
Absence of the King, the honor reverts 
Happily to me of presenting to you 
Bartholomew, a distinguished brother 
Of our illustrious friend, Columbus. 

Isabella. 

As a guest of the realm, we welcome you. 
The hospitality and freedom of Spain 
Are yours ; not because of the name you bear, 
But for personal worth, which heralded 
Accounts credit you with. If Bartholomew 
Cannot become a Christopher, he will prove, 
I hope, no less a Columbus in devotion 
To our throne. 

Bartholomew. 

Your kind majesty, the salt ocean leaves 

But little sweetness upon a sailor's lips; 

I cannot, therefore, phrase acknowledgments 

In ringing measure. But in plainest speech 

I say I am your servant where hardship, 

Sacrifice, danger, or death demands me. 

At this royal audience, attention 

I would direct to a possibility, 

Lurking at the Court of London. Whilst there, 



51 

BoRTHOLoMEW. 

I found two Brothers Cabot, playing round 
King Henry's flag 3 to catch a waft of sand ion, 
For some adventurous scheme. It may be, 

That these great and daring navigators 
Would like to measure off some claims on your 
liich golden Indies. On incidents noted, 
This suggestion is based, and is submitted 
From sense of duty. 

Isabella. 

Your vigilance brings us timely warning. 
All necessary agencies shall be 
At once invoked for our protection. 
This service shall go on record. 

Bartholomew. 

Your most gracious majesty, I thank you 

For all royal favors, not the least of which 

Is the honor conferred by assigning 

My two young nephews to the royal suite 

Of the Crown Prince Juan. But, who is this ! 

Beatrix Enriquez a maid of honor? 

Isabella. 

Of honor made she is; though not our maid 
Of honor. Honored we are by her presence. 

Beatrix. 

Her majesty will excuse our greetings 
Bartholomew. Eenewal of our friendship 
Must take place outside the court. 

Bartholomew. 

I hope your presence here has the approval 

Of my brother. From his lips I soon shall know 

Isabella. 

Bartholomew, the Admiral's wishes 
For your return being happily realized, 
We commission you to proceed at once 
To Hispaniola to relieve him 
And free his time for explorations in 
The neighboring lands. A small flotilla 
Is at your command, subject to orders 
From our India office. 



52 

Bartholomew. 

If navigation can outstrip the wind, 

The wind shall trip behind us in our speed 

And the Admiral with early freedom 

From his cares, can stake his lengthy mileage 

With the holy cross, into the rich heart 

Of the golden regions. But ere I go, 

One favor I must ask : it is, that you 

-Retain in your kind and royal custody 

These two children, until with voice or pen 

The Admiral demands your gracious 

Surrender of them. 

Beatrix. 

These children fondle to two voices only, 
A third would grate the strings of harmony 
And make existence a plague of discord. 

Bartholomew. 

Impute not mischief, when absent interests 
Are in point. 

Beatrix. 

Affected vindication of these interests 

The court ignores. I represent those interests. 

You are but an agent, self-installed. 

Isabella. 

Children and kindred alike are subjects 

Of the crown. Therefore, this contention must 

Be ruled by us. 

Bartholomew. 
I submit. 

Beatrix. 

And so do I. 

Isabella. 

Then rich with expectations let us part, 

Let life be a heaven to our heart, 

Let false words never make a false step lame, 

And rob not a leaf from the chaplet of fame. 

Long live Columbus! The Queen's best wishes 

Carry to him Bartholomew. Adieu ! 

Bartholomew. 

Long live the Queen ! and may 1 live to hear 
Her magic voice once more. 

[Exeunt]. 



ACT III. 



The Alhambra Palace (interior). Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella (enthroned). Present — Nobles, Prelates and 
Court Dignitaries. Enter Columbus and two brothers 
in chains. (Espinosa is their guard). 



Columbus. 

Your majesties, treachery has gone abroad 

Instead of staying snugly at your Court. 

In this gloomy hour 1 disown my name 

My boyhood that had dreamt of glory, 

Could it look down through the lapse of years. 

It would blush to see its advanced manhood 

In chains and in disgrace. Take back your royal 

Honors; spill your frothy promises 

In the sink, and give me freedom to sail 

Before the mast once more, under an honest 

Foreign flag. (Isabella sobs aloud.) 

Ferdinand. 

Silence I say ! though you are Columbus. 
Your bitter taunts have overpowered the queen. 

Columbus. 

Overwhelmed I am to find these chains were forged 
From her sweet majesty's good intentions, 
And from the mysteries of your deep king craft. 
Speak not of silence to me. The black night 
And hurricane, chains, dungeons and starved death 
Could not affright me. Nor can thunders rattled 
From your imperial throat make a coward 
Of me. 
(He falls fainting. The King lifts him, and helps to 
remove his chains.) 

Ferdinand. 

Strike *the hell-wrought irons from his noble limbs 

And case them up for spiteful JBobadilla. 

Unrivet the unholy chains 

Which degrade his worthy brothers, 

And keep them from rust till the miscreants 



54 

Ferdinand. 

Are dragged from Sun Domingo home. 

Come, Columbus, droop not. Drive the fire of speech 

In raking arraignment on the guilty, 

But snap not the mettle of the wrong man. 

Your enemies are outlaws branded 

And irons double weighted shall be their lot. 

Columbus. 

Your majesties, with zeal and diligence 

I have served you, and to gain paradise 

I could not have done more. Much more 'tis true 

Was possible, but a want of knowledge 

And experience found me short at times 

When much was needed. I was soldier, sailor, 

Judge, and advocate when Bobadilla 

Armoured with your proud authority seized me 

At San Domingo. I was pinioned 

In a musty dungeon, and thence smuggled 

On board a caravel, without process, 

Accusation, or an exchange of words. 

Ferdinand 

Bobadilla is a madman. 
His soft brain pickled by the ocean air 
Has grown prickly. He shall be shipped 
For Spain by return sail. This Avill prove 
Our sincerity to you. 

Isabella. 

Columbus never doubted my sincerity. 

Columbus. 

Never, your kind majesty. But before 
This most painful scene is ended, I feel 
Forced to say, report informed me that 
Bobadilla's credentials, signed by the king, 
Cave him power to act. 

Ferdinand. 

Primed with no credentials went he from here. 
Six blank sheets he bore with our sign manual 
And no more. You cannot but remember 
That you yourself requisitioned us 
For a judge and fijscal for Hispaniola, 
Complaining sore of duties over-heaped 
And all undone, and of lack of time 
For survey of terra firma's golden regions. 



55 

Columbus. 

I do remember that ill-wished request. 
Twas turbulence, fraud, and trampled virtue 
That wept it from my pen. 

Ferdinand. 

That admission mends the case between us. 
But we must admit a slip of judgment 
Jn granting free blank sheets to Bobadilla. 
It was our intent that they should be filled 
With stern commands, only when contumacious 
Subjects defied the laws established b} T you. 

Columbus. 

I am satisfied, and all my sorrows 

With the chains have dropped. Since you have 

wisely 
Repudiated Bobadilla's work 
One favor I now demand ; it is this : 
That I shall be allowed to lock the irons 
That I have worn, upon the cursed carcass 
Of this treacherous dog Espinosa. 

Ferdinand. 

What canon of our sacred law has he degraded? 

Columbus. 

He is a fellow whom I had favored 
And befriended, and then in my distress, 
When every man in San Domingo 
Had refused to place the chains upon me, 
He alone jumped perfidiously forward 
To do the ignoble work. 

Ferdinand. 

To the dungeons with him; hurl him from our 
sight. 

Columbus. 

As a parting favor will your majesties 
Command that my two brothers' chains be kept 
In lustre brightness for the limbs 
Of Bubadilla and rebellious Roldan ? 

Ferdinand. 

With augmented iron they shall clank 
Penitential music upon these culprits. 



56 

Columbus. 

Then having our royal friends recovered, 
And our dastard enemies discovered, 
To the dungeons we shall play the warders 
Of this vile Espinosa. We ask no orders. 

Isabella. 

Justice is yours, and your enemies all shall answer 
So far, justice has been done to us at least. 

(All withdraw). 



Scene. — A Street. Enter Don Ignacio and Beatrix. 

Ignacio. 

Lady of profound and guiding judgment 
Think you not, that unspeakable misconduct 
Has spattered stains upon great Columbus ? 
Great he was, but now he is greatly less 
Than the pettiest thief serving out correction. 

Beatrix. 

Sir, give me all the knowledge you possess 
Of this shattering news. Some meagre hints 
Have given my feverish grief a thirst to know 
And realize the worst. 

Ignacio. 

He has been adjudged a malefactor 

And tyrant, that I know. And detected, 

He has been in misrepresentations 

Of the wealth of his worthless discoveries, 

Which have already wrought stupendous loss 

To the nation's treasury. 

Beatrix. 

O scorching, maddening woe ! The sweet verdure 
Of thought is burnt up. Night and day arc mixed. 
Two worlds, the old and new, have dashed together, 
And the proud ruler of one has gone down 
In chaos. 

Ignacio. 

Sweet sympathetic soul, lose not concern 
For yourself, by wasting unavailing grief 
On the hopeless reputation of one 
Who has skilfully destroyed himself. 



57 

Beatrix. 

Unfold his troubles, but not the troubles 
That trouble slander, for slander can fill 
The whole earth with bubbles from a pipe full 
Of its murky soap. 

Ignacio. 

Most heroic and devoted being, 

Know ye not that Columbus tilled the earth 

With gilded bubbles, and that all have burst. 

He loosened the whole world from its holdings 

By announcing the discovery 

Of a land of gold. 

Beatrix. 

Reflect not on his errors which carried no intention. 

Ignacio. 

Errors are criminal when all mankind 
Suffers by them. And his were the errors 
Of an ill-concerted plot. 

Beatrix. 

Errors are but chastisement's messengers, 
We are all acquainted with their visits. 

Ignacio. 

Without dishonour, I confess to errors 

But not to insincerity of speech. 

I am a plain man, proud of honest affluence 

And domestic traits. Joy of life is marred 

By one circumstance alone ; it is this : 

The want of a devoted companion 

Like you to share the ease and luxury 

Of my home. (Beatrix recoils.) 

(Enter officer of the law with two guards.) 

Officer. 

Prisoners both, surrender to our warrant 
In the name of the king and of the queen. 

Ignacio. 

What is the charge ? 

Beatrix. 

O what is the crime ! 



58 

Officer. 

Silence ! No words, and jou shall hear the charge. 

One Espinosa, who is under arrest 

For high treason and conspiracy 'gainst 

Their majesties, the king and queen of Spain, 

In the person of their exalted viceroy, 

Christopher Columbus, hath repented 

Of his act and turned king's evidence. 

He deposeth that you, Ignacio, 

And this woman, Beatrix Enriques, 

Are prime instigators of a plot against 

Our Sovereigns in the person of their 

Viceroy. Therefore we claim you as our 

Prisoners. 

Ignacio. 

He's a villain ; 'tis false ! 

Beatrix. 

'Tis false! I am the wrong person. The viceroy 
Will liberate me ; tell him who I am. 

Officer. 

No words here; you can speak in the judgment 
hall. 

March the Prisoners off. 
Ignacio. 

Villain ! Tyranny ! 

Beatrix, 

Innocence ! Misunderstanding ! 

[Exeunt.] 



■& 



Scene. — Interior of a Church. Tomb of Prince Juan 
in the background. His name cut on it. Enter 
Peverend Tutor and Pages (in mourning dress). 



Tutor. 

Children of fortune, the time for parting 

Has come for all of us. No prince, no page, 

No page no tutor. 
Diego. 

We are pages to the prince; our tutor 

Good father you are. 






59 

Tutor. 

But the prince is dead. * In that royal tomb 

Lie his lifeless limbs. 
Fernando. 

Is he dead for ever? 
Tutor. 

For ever. His lips that played with language 

Shall welcome us no mure. His French ban jour 

And Suabian auf wiedersehen w r e shall miss 

For ever. 
Fernando. 

Could not doctor's physic make him speak again? 

Tutor. 

No ; life and death are not on speaking terms, 
Nor can tempering physic reconcile them. 

Diego. 

Perhaps, in dying he lives an angel. 

Tutor. 

Indeed, he lived to die an angel. 

Fernando. 

Do angels die ? 

Tutor. 

Angels never die. Oft in mortal tenements 
Angelic spirits live, and leave when their 
Sanctified abodes are about to fall. 
Now. in affection, fall upon your knees 
In the dead shadow of this monument, 
And pray that your master, good Prince Juan. 
May receive a crown in heaven, to replace 
That which he left on earth. 

They kneel, bent forward at the foot of the Monument. 
Tutor kneels behind them. Ghost of the Prince ap- 
pears on the Monument and addresses the Tutor, 
who rises and holds up a cross. 

Ghost. 

Man of God, charged with the cure of souls, fear 
Not; 'tis the shade of Juan that speaketh. 
On my death bed a wish I had indulged 
Was stifled off by delirious fever 



60 

Ghost. 

Before it was expressed. That wish is this: 

That my two young pages be still retained 

By my royal mother, and appointed 

Pages to herself. Counsel her to protect 

The children of Spain's safest friend, 

The martyred discoverer. And now 

Discharged of a weight oppressive, I charge 

Your faith to enact my wish. Until we meet 

In heaven, farewell. \_Exit.~] 

Fernando. 

Diego, I thought I saw my father 
Standing upon a distant rock. 

Diego. 

I saw him, too, and his wrecked caravel 
Drifting away before his eyes. 

Tutor. 

And I saw something, too. But no portents 
Of approaching ill are these illusions, 
Since consecrated ground is known t' inspire 
No unwholesome fears. To her majesty 
We shall now repair and recount experiences. 

[Exeunt]. 



Scene. — A street. Enter Solomon and Mahomet (a Jew 
and a Moor). 

Solomon. 

Bad news is coming in too fast. 
Mahomet. 

Ay, faster than we can stow it away. 

What's the news to-day ? 

Solomon. 

Public alarm has it that the Queen 

Is down with some dangerous malady. 
Mahomet. 

That is a cloud indeed ; a storm for some one. 
Solomon. 

For Columbus assuredly. The Queen 

Is his only friend. 



61 

Mahomet. 

All glory and no profit is no fun 

For King Ferdinand. Discoveries so far 

Have been a loss. 
Solomon. 

And the King will pound his losses out of us. 
Mahomet. 

His vengeance will raid our hiding holes and cash. 

He will decree wholesale confiscation 

Of our decencies of dress. 
Solomon. 

I fear we are catalogued for learned show 

In medical museums. 
Mahomet. 

Or for the harvest fields to frighten off rapacious 
birds. 
Solomon. 

Mahomet, at one time I detested you, 

Because you were a Moor. 
Mahomet. 

And I hated you because you were a Jew. 

Shake hands Solomon ; Christian hatred has 

Made us brothers. 
Solomon. 

Well now, taking a long and broad view 

Of the situation, what tactics think you 

Are the best for our races to hold to? 
Mahomet. 

No tactics, I say. An intrenched silence. 

With holes to spy through, is our only safety. 
Solomon. 

The new world must be watched. Sterility 

In that region would mean stern attentions 

For us; whilst returns in golden treasure 

From there, would turn the royal anger from us. 
Mahomet. 

Solomon, you are a Solon, and the 

Sole one to comfort us. 
Solomon. 

What think you of Bobadilla's blunder? 



62 

Mahomet. 

Bobadilla unci Roldan both are drowned ; 

Their caravel with all on board went down 

In a storm. 
Solomon. 

I know. They were the wiliest enemies 

Columbus had. 
Mahomet. 

This Espinosa under sentence of death 

Is just as sly a traitor. 

Solomon. 

Among the mysterious characters 

Before the public, there seems none more noted 

Than Beatrix Enriquez. She w T as falsely 

Arrested and released. But fright hath whizzed 

Her mind to wandering. For information 

Of her whereabouts, royalty offers 

A slipper full of coin. 

Mahomet. 

Columbus hath pledged himself to this woman, 

And new worlds cannot release him. 

He who discovers a woman's love, I say, 

Will never surpass his discovery. 

And he who unsettles a woman's heart, 

Throws tripping stones in his own path of life. 

{Enter officer and guards with a dozen Moorish and 
Jewish prisoners manacled). 

Officer (to Solomon and Mahomet). 

Two more prisoners. How strayed you from your 
Precinct to these outer bounds? 

Mahomet. 

To soothe a sickly friend. 
Officer. 

That answer will not do. These prisoners have 
forged 

The same story. Handcuff these Moors. 

Solomon. 

I am no Moor; I am a Christian. 
He is the Moor ! 



68 

Mahomet, 

He is no Christian — no Christian at all — 
He is a Jew ! 

Solomon. 

Yes ; I am a good Christian searching for 

Beatrix. 
Officer. 

A Jew and a Moor ; march the prisoners off. 

[Exeunt. ~\ 



Scene. — An open space in Zaragua. Hispaniola, in front 
of a building. Numerous Caciques with their fol- 
lowers armed, stand in the background. Ovando with 
Soldiers and Spanish hidalgos in front. Acrobats, 
Showmen, &c. 

Ovando (to Caciques). 

Generous chiefs, throw down your arms and with 

cheer 
.Respond to the holida}^ created 
For you. Advance not for war nor council, 
But to witness the pranks and merry games 
Of our native land. With hearts, bound forward ! 
Bring loosened speech and trusting footsteps into 
Play with sportive Spaniards — all children 
For the day. Past provocations you shall drown 
In richest wine within this banquet hall. 
Your enemy Columbus is not here to-day. 

(Caciques advance, throwing down their arms). 

Ovando. 

Let the games begin ! 

(A square is formed ; acrobats and showmen make displays). 

Ovando {aside to Confidant). 

Stratagem and slaughter ! These savage chiefs 
Kill out our best designs. Now is our time 
To kill their power with death. Note this signal : 
When I touch this charmed emblem on my breast, 
Seize and rush them quickly to this so-called 
Banquet hall. Then with flaming brands burn them 
Hall and all. 



64 

(Ovando ascends a throne to witness the games. Exit con- 
fidant to instruct the soldiers. Caciques are seized and 
burned within the building. Ovando folds his arms 
and enjoys the conflagration. 
Ovando. 

In one hour we have secured peace for ever. 
Timid Columbus would have bequeathed to Spain 
Eternal war. 



Scene. — Country road. Beatrix carried in a sedan 

chair by two armed Carriers. 
Beatrix. 

Hold, I say ! and tell me if I am free, 

Or if this is some device for infamy 

Or death ? 

1st Carrier. 

You are more free than we. Protected freedom 
Has been bestowed on you. 

Beatrix. 

By whose authority am I protected ? 
2nd Carrier. 

By the dead Queen's express instructions. 
Beatrix. 

Hath harassing calamity carried 

Beason with it ? 

1st Carrier. 

You know good lady that without reason 

Cruel arrest was inflicted on you, 

And that, since then you have, in feverish dread 

No doubt, wandered beyond the ken of friends. 

Even the town crier hath given you up. 
Beatrix. 

Into importance I have sprung in 

Hope's expiring moment. 

2nd Carrier. 

The pet of many and the friend of all 
You are. And more than all, great Columbus, 
Who is now housed in sickness, raves aloud 
His love for you. 



65 

Beatrix. 

Columbus! that name was once a joy. 
I do not forget the name. 

2nd Carrier. 

He does not forget you. A hundred times, 
It is rumored, he bellowed to his attendants 
To summon you to his side. Your absence 
From the city was concealed from him, 
Fearing distress would aggravate his malady. 

Beatrix. 

He asked for me ? Yes, it often happens 
That love ignites in one as it expires 
In another. It will expire again in him. 

1st Carrier. 

It will burn at least until you arrive ; 
Then let us pursue our journey. 

Beatrix. 

What road is this? Whither does it lead? 

2nd Carrier. 

It is the straight road to Valladolid. 

Beatrix. 

Is that where Columbus is ? 

2nd Carrier. 

Yes; there he is waiting and sighing for you. 

Beatrix. 

Then proceed. I think I would like to see 
Him once again. 

1st Carrier. 

If the Admiral could hear you say that, 

He would launch again for another discovery. 

2nd Carrier. 

All ready; off! Double step ! 

[Exeunt]- 



66 

Scene — A. darkened Bed Chamber. Crucifix, Candles, 
and Font on Small Table beside a large Arm Chair 
on which Columbus sits in a dying condition. 
Columbus and his son Diego. They repeat alter-, 
nately the Deprofundis. 

Columbus. 

Any tidings yet of your brother's mother, 
Beatrix Enriquez? 

Diego. 

She is nowhere to be found. Search is vain 
In Yalladolid. 

Columbus, 

An hour ago a reverend father 

Told me that he had heard of her return 

To the city. 

DlEGO. 

Then I shall impress some diligent friends 
Into a hasty search. 

Columbus. 

To see her, is the last joy of life 
1 yearn for. Let her sweet face be the lust 
Object my dying eyes shall behold; 
United with her I then shall die. 

Diego. 

With no impossibilities to stay, 

You shall see her without delay. \_ExitJ\ 

Columbus. 

Soon I shall discover another world, 

My dying eyes weakening away from this, 

Grow steadfast on the world to come. In vain 

I look for the parting pleasure of life, 

The presence of the woman who loved me, 

And on whom I have inflicted years of anguish. 

The incessant clamor of life, shattered 

And silenced the sweet whisperings of love. 

Home and workman's comforts I might have had 

But irresistible destiny forced me 

To another course. That course was wrong, 



67 

Columbus, 

For ingratitude, toil, and enmity 

Fill my measure of reward — deserved reward, 

For having aggrandized a king 

Who has forsaken me. But the holy eross 

I have carried to the helpless heathen 

And the true King will not forget my reward. 

Life grows weaker and conscience sterner. 

O Beatrix, come ! ere dying reparation 

Leaves my voice. But surge not the parting 

moments 
Into anger. Life ebbs. It will be too late. 

(Sinks back into his chair and sits silently some moments.) 

(Enter Diego de Deza, Archbishop of Seville.) 

Columbus. 

Many welcomes to your grace. 

Deza. 

May many times that welcome be pronounced. 
How thrives it with you now, Columbus ? 

Columbus. 

Still sinking and resigned. Ere you entered 
A horrible vision flashed my closing eyes. 
Methouo;ht I saw a wailing multitude 
Of Indian Chiefs encompassed by fagots 
And raging flames. Ovando seemed to fan 
The hot holocaust, with satisfaction 
In his face. 

Deza. 

Ovando I fear will prove a Bobadilla 
In indiscretion. Your vision is perhaps 
Of true enactment. 

Columbus. 

Your grace, these moments teem with agonies. 
Mismanagement of the Indies ; the King's neglect, 
The death of the sweet good Queen Isabella, 
And worse than all, the absence of Beatrix. 
One moment's holy union, and the sight 
Of this long forgotten ring, glistening 
On her finger, would light up my soul, 
And chasten it for Heaven. (Enter Diego.) 



68 

Diego. 

Joy, dear father, we have found her. 

(Columbus with emotion rises from his seat. Enter Beatrix' 
Overcome by the touching scene, she becomes incapable 
of speech. Gazing at Columbus she approaches him.) 



Columbus and Beatrix take each other's hand, and 
regard each other, apparently transfixed. Columbus, 
with the ring in his hand, places it on the finger of 
Beatrix, and then sinks back dead. Beatrix kneels, 
with her forehead resting on his knee, while the Arch- 
bishop holds his stole over them, and invokes a bless- 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




016 103 240 2 



